‘mud season’ (noun): That in-between season in the White Mountains when the snow has mostly melted but flowers and green grass are still a few weeks away. Avoid dirt roads and bring good boots during this time!

 

Come for a visit to the White Mountains in March and April, and you’ll find quieter trailheads, more time for sampling local beers and local shops, and a new appreciation for the off-season. Independent travelers, now is time the delight in your perfect opportunity for a DIY adventure! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

 

TRAIN RIDING

The snow is almost gone, but chances are you will still spot some big patches of it high on Mount Washington’s slopes! Celebrate the transition of the seasons and hop aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway in Twin Mountain, NH for a train ride to Waumbek Station. Passengers can disembark at an elevation of 3,900’ for an epic view that extends as far as Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and Quebec.

 

RALLY RACING

Would you rather take the traveling into your own hands? Sign up for a course at Team O’Neil Rally School in Dalton, NH.

Participants will have time in the classroom to learn car control skills before getting out on the driving course for some thrilling laps with a trained professional. Expect plenty of fast corners, mood-boosting adrenaline, and mud splashing!

 

OUTLET SHOPPING

On a gray spring day, tax-free shopping is the perfect escape. Luckily, two of the best outlet shopping centers in New Hampshire reside within our region.

Tanger Outlets, located just south of the White Mountains in Tilton, NH, is perfectly positioned for travelers on I-93. Chocolate shops, coffee stops, and plenty of popular stores make this outlet center well worth the detour.

Meanwhile, if you’re staying a little more to the north and east, Settlers Green in North Conway, NH is a must-shop. This expansive outlet center has dozens of stores, a variety of great local restaurants, and an amazing proximity to all kinds of outdoor adventures on the edge of town.

Settlers Green Mural on a Spring Day

Photo Credit: Caitlin P. Farrar

 

BREWERY, WINERY, & DISTELLERY HOPPING

Our outstanding breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the White Mountains are reason enough to plan a trip during mud season. From heady IPAs and creamy stouts to handcrafted ciders and inventive fruit wines, there’s plenty of palate pleasing wherever the trip might lead you. 

Northern White Mountains

Western White Mountains

Eastern White Mountains (Mount Washington Valley

 

GALLERY VIEWING

The beauty of the White Mountains is legendary. Bring a bit of that loveliness home with you and buy a piece of local art from one of the many art galleries in the area.

The Gallery at WREN in Bethlehem, NH features regularly rotating exhibits in a refined gallery setting, while Artistic Roots in Plymouth, NH is a cooperative gallery spotlighting works from its juried members. Those familiar with the famed League of NH Craftsmen will also be happy to learn that there are several League galleries in the region, including locations in North Conway, Littleton, and Central Sandwich.

 

MUSEUM PERUSING

History buffs, skiers, and gamers, take note: the White Mountains has museums for each of you!

For insight into the historical, cultural, and environmental significance of our region, visit the fascinating Museum of the White Mountains in Plymouth, NH. Planning a trip to Franconia, NH or North Conway, NH? Stop by the New England Ski Museum! This dynamic museum has two locations and offers a definitive look at New Hampshire ski culture throughout the years.

Lastly, the American Classic Arcade Museum (located within the legendary Funspot in Laconia, NH) is the place to play arcade games from yesteryear. There are hundreds of vintage coin-operated options to choose from, and plenty of nostalgia to go around.

Ready to plan your trip? Take a look at lodging options in the White Mountains, and be sure to check the operating days and hours for restaurants, attractions, and shops. Especially during mud season, a little bit of research can turn a good trip into a great one!

Shop with us in Plymouth, NH!